New Zealand ( listen) (Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (or Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (or Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.Sometime between 1250 and 1300 CE, Polynesians settled in the islands that later were named New Zealand and developed a distinctive Māori culture. In 1642, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight New Zealand. In 1840, representatives of Britain and Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, which declared British sovereignty over the islands. In 1841, New Zealand became a colony within the British Empire and in 1907 it became a Dominion. Today, the majority of New Zealand's population of 4.7 million is of European descent; the indigenous Māori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and Pacific Islanders. Reflecting this, New Zealand's culture is mainly derived from Māori and early British settlers, with recent broadening arising from increased immigration. The official languages are English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language, with English predominant.
New Zealand is a developed country and ranks highly in international comparisons of national performance, such as health, education, economic freedom and quality of life. Since the 1980s, New Zealand has transformed from an agrarian, regulated economy to a market economy. Nationally, legislative authority is vested in an elected, unicameral Parliament, while executive political power is exercised by the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, who is currently Jacinda Ardern. Queen Elizabeth II is the country's head of state and is represented by a governor-general, currently Dame Patsy Reddy. In addition, New Zealand is organised into 11 regional councils and 67 territorial authorities for local government purposes. The Realm of New Zealand also includes Tokelau (a dependent territory); the Cook Islands and Niue (self-governing states in free association with New Zealand); and the Ross Dependency, which is New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica. New Zealand is a member of the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, ANZUS, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Pacific Islands Forum, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Travel information

The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. That same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both world wars. New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances..

New Zealand is located in Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia.

When you travel to New Zealand remember that the climate is temperate with sharp regional contrasts.

Terrain is: predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains.

Be careful of natural hazards like: earthquakes are common, though usually not severe; volcanic activity.

Other practical travel informations

New Zealand: photos and pictures

New Zealand: numbers and facts 2018

The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. That same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both world wars. New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances..

New Zealand is located in Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia.

When you travel to New Zealand remember that the climate is temperate with sharp regional contrasts.

Terrain is: predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains.

Be careful of natural hazards like: earthquakes are common, though usually not severe; volcanic activity.

Electrical Plug/Outlet and Voltage Informations in New Zealand

Speed Limit

Road speed limits are used in most countries to set the maximum speed at which vehicles may legally drive on particular stretches of a road. Take a look at the speed restrictions:
Within towns: 50–70
Automobiles and motorcycles (single carriageway):: 80–100
Expressways/motorways (dual carriageway): 100
Trucks or automobiles with a trailer: 90
Outside built-up areas / highways: 80–100
Enforcement tolerance: 4 km/h (school zones and holiday periods) or 10 km/h (otherwise) when enforced by police. Speed cameras have no tolerance. You get a ticket for 105 km/h at 100 km/h area.

Emergency Phone Numbers

Volcanoes in New Zealand

There are 30 volcanoes in New Zealand.
The highest volcano is Ruapehu 2797 meters high.
This volcano is categorized as: Stratovolcano.
The last eruption of a volcano in New Zealand was recorded: December 20, 2015.

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While traveling to New Zealand you may have to deal with: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.

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Should I be afraid of animals in New Zealand ?

Question asked by: Celina Fuchs

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Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened and protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies. All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes.
More info about health and threats»

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Should I be careful about what I eat and drink in New Zealand ?

Question asked by: Γεώργιος Ζερβός

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Food and water standards are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home. However, travelers visiting rural or remote areas that are served by unregulated water sources such as private wells should take special precautions to ensure the safety of their drinking water.
More info about health and threats»

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What is the capital city of New Zealand ?

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